Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 97 68 53 18; Rte des Pêches; mains CFA3700-3900, seafood platters CFA25,000; lunch & dinner Sat & Sun)
This eatery overlooking the beach has garnered high praise for its ultra-fresh fish and sea-
food platters.
WORTH A TRIP
GANVIÉ
The main attraction near Cotonou (and one of Benin's highlights) is Ganvié, where 30,000 Tofinu people live in
bamboo huts on stilts several kilometres out on Lake Nokoué. They live almost exclusively from fishing.
Despite the fact that the town has become a tourist magnet, it's a terrific place to explore and sample village
life. Tip: rather than signing up for a tour, it's not a bad idea to overnight in Ganvié - thus you'll soak up the at-
mosphere and get a better understanding of the environment and traditional life of the community. Ganvié has a
handful of guesthouses, including the friendly
Chez M
( 95 42 04 68, 97 37 22 71; hotelcarre-
fourchezm@hotmail.fr; Ganvié; s CFA8500, d CFA10,500-12,500) , which offers 22 rooms with bathrooms,
standing fans and mosquito nets. The setting is lovely - the dining room overlooks the main stream and the float-
ing market, right in the middle of the village. Meals (CFA4500) are available on request and various tours can be
organised. Transfers from Calavi-Kpota cost CFA7500 return and must be booked in advance.
To get there, get a taxi from Pl de l'Étoile Rouge or Stade de l'Amitié to Calavi-Kpota (CFA500, 25 minutes).
The embarkation point is 800m downhill (take a
zem
). If you opt for a tour, head to the
official counter
(
9am-5pm) . Return fares to Ganvié in a regular/motorised
pirogue
are CFA6050/7050 per person, CFA4050/5050
each for two to four people. Prices include a circuit of the village with stop-offs. The trip takes about 2½ hours.
You can also hire a guide.
